Ellingson Law, APC

Ellingson Law, APC Estate planning attorney Jennifer L. Ellingson, Esq. serves Chico, CA and Northern California.

This page provides educational insights and guidance to help individuals and families make informed decisions about planning ahead.

For many families, a home is more than an asset. It represents stability, memories, and future generations.A comprehensi...
06/18/2026

For many families, a home is more than an asset. It represents stability, memories, and future generations.

A comprehensive estate plan may help simplify the transfer of real estate, reduce delays, and help families avoid unnecessary probate complications.

Trusts, beneficiary planning, and proper asset titling can all play a role in protecting a family home and ensuring your wishes are carried out.

Estate planning in California can help families create a smoother path forward for loved ones.

📍 Serving Chico and Northern California
📞 (530) 343-3454
🌐 jellingsonlaw.com





Many people assume their spouse or partner automatically has legal authority if something unexpected happens. Unfortunat...
06/16/2026

Many people assume their spouse or partner automatically has legal authority if something unexpected happens. Unfortunately, that is not always the case.

Without proper estate planning documents, important medical and financial decisions may be left to the courts or next of kin under California law.

Healthcare directives, powers of attorney, trusts, and wills can help ensure your wishes are clearly documented and legally protected.
Estate planning in California helps families prepare for the unexpected with greater confidence and peace of mind.

📍 Serving Chico and Northern California
📞 (530) 343-3454
🌐 jellingsonlaw.com





Estate planning can play an important role in protecting LGBTQ+ couples, unmarried partners, and chosen families.Without...
06/11/2026

Estate planning can play an important role in protecting LGBTQ+ couples, unmarried partners, and chosen families.

Without proper legal documents in place, important medical, financial, and inheritance decisions may not automatically align with your wishes.

Estate planning documents such as trusts, wills, healthcare directives, and powers of attorney can help ensure the people you trust are legally protected.

Estate planning for LGBTQ+ families in California is about creating clarity, security, and peace of mind for the future.

📍 Serving Chico and Northern California
📞 (530) 343-3454
🌐 jellingsonlaw.com





Managing a trust after the loss of a loved one can feel overwhelming, especially while navigating grief and legal respon...
06/09/2026

Managing a trust after the loss of a loved one can feel overwhelming, especially while navigating grief and legal responsibilities at the same time.

Trust administration in California often involves:
• locating and reviewing trust documents
• notifying beneficiaries
• gathering and valuing assets
• handling debts and taxes
• distributing assets according to the trust

Having experienced legal guidance during the trust administration process can help families move forward with greater clarity and confidence.

Learn more on our blog: https://www.jellingsonlaw.com/blog/

📍 Serving Chico and Northern California
📞 (530) 343-3454
🌐 jellingsonlaw.com

Many people are surprised to learn that probate proceedings in California are part of the public record.A properly struc...
06/04/2026

Many people are surprised to learn that probate proceedings in California are part of the public record.

A properly structured estate plan may help families maintain greater privacy by avoiding certain probate court proceedings. Trusts can also help keep financial matters, assets, and distributions more confidential.

Estate planning in California is not only about transferring assets. It is also about protecting your wishes, your family, and your privacy.

📍 Serving Chico and Northern California
📞 (530) 343-3454
🌐 jellingsonlaw.com

Estate planning is about more than finances. It is about protecting the people you love and ensuring your wishes are hon...
06/02/2026

Estate planning is about more than finances. It is about protecting the people you love and ensuring your wishes are honored.

For LGBTQ+ couples, unmarried partners, and chosen families, important legal decisions may not automatically default to the person you trust most. Documents like wills, trusts, healthcare directives, and powers of attorney can help provide clarity and protection during difficult moments.

Estate planning for LGBTQ+ couples in California can help protect relationships, assets, healthcare decisions, and long-term peace of mind.

📍 Serving Chico and Northern California
📞 (530) 343-3454
🌐 jellingsonlaw.com

05/28/2026

Is your estate plan still valid if the law changes?
It depends.

Changes in California estate planning laws can impact how certain documents function, how assets are handled, or whether your plan still aligns with current legal requirements.

Even if your estate plan is technically still valid, it may not work the way you originally intended.

That is why it is important to review your plan periodically, especially after legal updates or major life changes. A quick review can help ensure your wishes are still clearly protected.

If it has been a while since you updated your estate plan, it may be time to take another look.

📍 Serving Chico and Northern California
📞 (530) 343-3454
🌐 jellingsonlaw.com

This is a common concern when dealing with estate administration.In most cases, debts are not directly inherited by fami...
05/26/2026

This is a common concern when dealing with estate administration.

In most cases, debts are not directly inherited by family members. Instead, debts are typically paid from the estate before assets are distributed to beneficiaries.

However, certain situations, such as co-signed accounts or joint debts, may create personal responsibility.

Understanding how debts are handled during probate in California can help families avoid confusion and better prepare for the process.

📍 Serving Chico and Northern California
📞 (530) 343-3454
🌐 jellingsonlaw.com

If a beneficiary passes away before you, it can create complications in how your assets are distributed.Depending on how...
05/21/2026

If a beneficiary passes away before you, it can create complications in how your assets are distributed.

Depending on how your estate plan is written, assets may pass to alternate beneficiaries, be redistributed according to specific terms, or fall back into your estate and potentially go through probate in California.

Without updated documents, this situation can lead to delays, confusion, or outcomes that may not reflect your original intentions.
Regularly reviewing your estate plan helps ensure your wishes are carried out clearly.

📍 Serving Chico and Northern California
📞 (530) 343-3454
🌐 jellingsonlaw.com

In estate planning, how your assets are titled can be just as important as the documents you create.Asset ownership dete...
05/19/2026

In estate planning, how your assets are titled can be just as important as the documents you create.

Asset ownership determines whether property goes through probate in California, how it is transferred, and who ultimately receives it. In some cases, beneficiary designations or ownership structure can override instructions in a will.

Small details, like outdated beneficiaries or incorrectly titled assets, can lead to delays, confusion, and unintended outcomes.
A well-structured estate plan ensures your assets, titles, and documents all work together.

📍 Serving Chico and Northern California
📞 (530) 343-3454
🌐 jellingsonlaw.com

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383 Connors Court STE H
Chico, CA
95926

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Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

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